Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Eid-ul-Adha message; Total devotion to Allah Almighty and putting one's trust in Him

By the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty, Muslims across the country will commemorate the Eid-ul-Adha on Tuesday 9th December, 2008.  All praises therefore belong to him for enabling us to witness another Eid-ul-Adha.

Every Islamic teaching has a philosphy and the merit of every commandment lies in observing the philosophy.  The mere observance of a commandment when the spirit is totally lacking is not meritious in the sight of Allah the Almighty.  The Eid-ul-Adha, like any other Islamic commandment, has a noble philosophy that every muslim should be aware of in order to reap the benefits of the feast.  

The 10th Zul-Hijjah is known as the Day of Sacrifice; the day on which the pilgrims put off the Ihram and offer their animal sacrifice.  The Muslims all over the world join the pilgrims in this celebration and those who can afford the sacrifice offer it.

One of the lessons that should be learnt from the Eid is the pefect trust that a believer must have in Allah the Almighty.  Hadrat Ibrahim (as), Hadrat Hajerah (ra) and Hadrat Ismail (as) were exemplary in the trust they have in Allah Almighty.  It was due to this perfect trust that Hadrat Ibrahim resolvd to literally fulfill his dream of sacrificing his son by slaughtering him.

It was due to the same trust in Allah Almighty that Hadrat Hajerah sicnerely accepted to be left with a helpless child in the wilderness with neither food nor water.  It was the same trust that made Hadrat Ismail (as) determine to be sacrificed in the way of Allah Almighty.  As we commemorate the Eid, we msut all reflect on the trust these mentioned people had in Allah the Almighty and strive hard to develop the same trust in Him in our hearts.

Some people are involved in many dishonest and sinful acts because of lack of trust in Allah the Almighty.  Remember that it is not dishonesty and other evil acts that can relieve one of difficulties.  Corrupt behaviours in one's dealing with others and lying are sometimes thought to be clever ways of attending one's aims.  If we put our trusts in Allah the Almighty like the above trio, then there is no need to take recourse to any of these dishonest means because Allah the Almighty would always be there for us.  

He would help us the same way He helped those who were devoted to Him.  Allah the Almighty is the friend of those who fear and love Him and put their trusts in Him; He always provides a way out for them from their difficulties and adversities.  Hazrat Ibrahim was chosen as a special friend of Allah the Almighty because of his devotion.  No stone was left unturned to obstruct his propagation of the message of his Lord but he never wavered a little.  Allah the Almighty has commanded us in the Holy Qur'an that we must adopt the religion of Ibrahim as a way of life.  

The religion of Ibrahim is none other than total devotion to Allah the Almighty; totally putting one's trusts in Him.  This is the essence and reality of Islam and we will be considered as true Muslims if we do that.  This is a lesson that the Eid has come to teach us.

Let us kill all idols; both the hidden and manifested ones.  Idolatry does not only mean bowing down to images; it also entails subservience to one's evil desires, arrogance, telling lies and worship of graves.  As we sacrifice our sacrificial animals, we must also kill these evils from both within and without.

On this occasion, I am extending to you the Eid Mubarak greetings of His Holiness, Amiru al Muumineen, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah the Almighty strengthen him), the Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at.  He is always praying for the success and stability of our beloved nation.  On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at The Gambia, I am also saying to you EID MUBARAK.

May Allah the Almighty make us His sincere devotees and enable us to put all our trusts in Him.  May He join our hearts in love and unity and establish goodwill, love and peace among us.  May He continue protecting our dear motherland, The Gambia and grant us good health, success and prosperity.  May He enable us to celebrate this Eid in its true sense and enable us to celebrate many more.  Ameen.  Wassalam.